From ChrisP: 28mm ACW Federal Infantry & Mounted Cavalry (236 points)

From Chris:

First this time we have some American Civil War units, ready for a massive Gettysburg refight later in the year.

These units mark the start of me trying to recreate the Union 1st Corps, 1st Division, but I might expand that to the whole 1st Corps! Depends how excited I get. Which given that these two units were actually enjoyable to paint, that wouldn't suprise me.

The first unit represents the 14th Brooklyn, and is made from Perry plastics. Those among you who (like me) know enough about some units of the Civil War will notice that the uniform is more or less wrong for the 14th Brooklyn. Yes they were in a different uniform, but it wasn't the Zouave kit like these chaps had. I had to convert all of their hats from a fez to a kepi (which was a long and annoying process of cutting too much, or too little. Needless to say there are a few lobotomized Zouave heads lying around now from my failed attempts! Boy, that is way better in context. Anyway, the uniform should be chasseur trousers and a less ornate jacket. If I feel up to it, I will look at redoing them, but for now I am happy with these.

The second unit is the far more normal 76th New York. Straight Perry plastics, the only change is that I modified the standard bearer to use the Zouave banner, not the normal one. I figured given I am going to be assembling quite a few of these, any variation is good.

No flags yet, because I want to get the flags right. If anyone has some good tips on where to get good ACW flags, put it into the comments, I want to know!

Last is two bases of skirmishers, nothing really to say about them!

Then on to the second part of the entry. I converted up some US Infantry suitable to engage some Cowboys in the Wild West, but someone suggested that I might like some mounted guys to make sure I could rob a train! So here are the six cavalry I converted to do just that. All have been modified in some way, the three with pistols or sabres have all had head swaps to match the infantry, but the three with rifles had to have an arm removed to allow the rifle arms from the Infantry box to be attached. With no small amount of green stuff involved to make it look natural! But, as it stands my favourite is the one chap taking a rifle shot from a stationary horse, optimistically I would expect!

I really like those 6-figure bases of Federals - they look very impressive and substantial.

The cavalry figures are great, now you just need to make up a train like Dave for them to chase down and rob! 

This group of Yankess will give Chris 236 points allowing him to meet his personal challenge goal for points. Well done!